Every so often, I’ll shoot a particular photo that ends up becoming a great source of inspiration. This inspiration can root from a variety of things, such as the color palette, the composition, the content, or even simply the memory of the moment.

In this post, I will present a particular photo that inspires me, follow up with a few design exercises, and then show how a particular theme is reflected around the world by presenting work from other photographers.

Madras Morning

I was wandering through a narrow Madras alley on a very hot morning in January. The sun was beating and colors appeared especially vibrant within the bright light. The streets were
crowded, Bollywood tunes blasting, and intense aromas of spices
and sewage filled the air. Amid the chaos, it was beautiful.

Exercises in Shape, Pattern, Typography and Iconography

Further Inspiration from Around the World

Holly Morris presents the above quote as the opening to her book, “Adventure Divas: Searching the Globe for Women Who Are Changing the World.” I find this not only remarkably relevant to her stories that follow, but it also encapsulates the movement of design for positive change and reflects a personal mission in my own life.

Holly Morris decided to quit her job one day to launch an innovative enterprise out of globetrotting the world in search of inspiring women and making a TV show about them (it was later aired on PBS). She retained her passion, dedication, and sense of humor, despite her limited resources and sometimes far-fetched plans. Adventure Divas is a compilation of Holly‘s travel stories, mostly based around her own TV endeavor, but implemented with her additional adventures. From Borneo to New Zealand to Iran, Holly has great stories to tell about remarkable people. I found this book to be very inspiring in a number of ways.

First… Travelling with purpose, perseverance and inspiration

Travelling is a very different experience depending on your intentions. There is something especially meaningful about travelling with a defined purpose and goal, rather than perhaps a vacation for pleasure or open-ended vagabonding. Holly’s Adventure Divas goal is clear, and she accomplishes this with the shear determination of never giving up.

Second… Keepin‘ it real

Holly does not glamorize any aspect of travelling or her ambitious business venture. She candidly says it like it is with pure honesty and often humour. She openly expresses her emotions and doubts, without getting too self-absorbed. I especially appreciated her non-biased reflections on the ethics of travelling and filming in particular situations.

Third… Honest and compelling travel writing for all

I’ll admit this book is dominantly focused on women and borders on a bit feminista at times. However, my boyfriend started reading over my shoulder on the airplane out of boredom, and was  soon engrossed in it. He stated he never would have picked the book up purely based on the title, but was actually surprised at how much he enjoyed it. Any adventurer that enjoys an unconventional career and good travel writing will enjoy this book.

And lastly.. Holly Morris and I have a lot in common

It’s hard not to like a book when you see so much of yourself in the author. I can relate to Holly’s spirit and passion for adventure. We are both young women who spontaneously quit our 9-5 jobs for an idealistic (but quite possibly unrealistic) more inspired life. We are both determined to fulfill our wanderlust and ambitions, no matter what the challenges and compromises. From my own travels, I can also relate to the difficulties and awkward amusements she faces as a female traveller. One last coincidence, we both happen to live in Seattle.

View Adventure Divas on Amazon »